Dewan

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Description:

The originally Persian title of dewan (also quite commonly known as Diwan; also spelled -van) has, at various points in Islamic history, designated various differing though similar functions.

Etymology

The word is Indian/Persian in origin, and was loaned into Arabic.The original meaning was "bundle (of written sheets)", hence "book", especially "book of accounts," and hence "office of accounts," "custom house," "council chamber". The meaning divan "long, cushioned seat" is due to such seats having been found along the walls in Middle Eastern council chambers.

Council

The word first appears under the Caliphate of Omar I (A.D. 634&ndash;644). As the Caliphate state became more complicated, the term was extended over all the government bureaus.